Nintendo increases R&D investment

Nintendo announced plans to build a new research and development facility in 2009, located near Nintendo's headquarters in Kyoto, Japan. It originally was reported to be spending ¥12 billion ($148 million) on the compound, but that figure has now jumped to ¥16.5 billion ($204 million).

The seven story building will be built on a 40,000-square-meter lot in Kyoto's Minami Ward. Construction on the new R&D compound is expected to commence in January 2012, with an eye to have it operational by the end of the following year.

The move will also allow the 1,500 employees to be much closer to Nintendo's headquarters, which is in the same district. The current R&D facility is located in Higashiyama Ward, which is some distance away.